How successful solopreneurs end their day
Routines that actually work
As a solopreneur, your time is one of your most valuable resources (have I drilled this into you enough yet?!), and how you end your day might just be the secret to how you show up tomorrow. Evenings can feel like the last gasp of the day, especially for the frazzled parents who have kids demanding snacks, half-finished homework on the dining table and reminders for tomorrow rattling in your head.
That’s why an evening routine matters. It creates a pause. A little bit of structure to indicate that the day is done, and it’s time to stop.
In this article, I’m sharing:
The significance of evening routines for solopreneurs
Mel Robbins' 5-step evening routine
Laura Vanderkam’s research-backed bedtime rule
What my own (imperfect) routine looks like
Practical tips to build your own routine
Let’s wind down, intentionally.
Why evening routines matter for solopreneurs
Running a business single-handedly means wearing multiple hats, often leading to decision fatigue and burnout. An intentional evening routine can:
Reduce Decision Fatigue. By planning the next day, you minimise morning stress.
Enhance Sleep Quality. Consistent routines signal your body it's time to rest.
Improve Mental Clarity. Reflecting on the day helps process experiences and emotions.
Boost Productivity: A rested mind is more creative and efficient.
“In a world that values constant hustle, we overlook a key to success: recovery.”
Mel Robbin’s 5-step evening routine
Mel Robbins, renowned author and motivational speaker, emphasises the power of evening routines. Her 5-step process is designed to help you sleep better and wake up energised
Pick Your Bedtime. Decide on a consistent sleep time to regulate your body's clock.
Clean Up the Mess. Tidy your space to create a calm environment.
Make Tomorrow Easier. Prepare for the next day, lay out clothes, plan tasks.
Five Minutes for You. Engage in a relaxing activity - reading, meditation, or journaling.
Tuck Your Phone In. Put your phone away to avoid late-night distractions.
Implementing these steps can transform your evenings from chaotic to calming.
Laura Vanderkam’s evening philosophy - give yourself a bedtime
In Tranquility by Tuesday, time management expert Laura Vanderkam champions the deceptively simple strategy of a consistent bedtime.
Her Rule #1? “Give yourself a bedtime.”
Vanderkam’s research shows that irregular sleep schedules, what she calls “disorderly sleep”, leave many people feeling perpetually tired, even if they technically get enough hours of rest.
Why it works:
Provides structure and predictability
Boosts energy and resilience
Improves next-day focus and creativity
Her key recommendations:
Set a wind-down alarm. If bedtime is 10:30PM, start winding down by 10. She stresses that getting into bed doesn’t take zero minutes.
Build in leisure. Reading, conversation or journaling help bridge your busy brain into bedtime.
Treat early sleep as self-care. “Going to bed early,” Vanderkam says, “is how grownups sleep in.”
The result? Participants in her studies felt more refreshed, skipped the snooze button and reported higher satisfaction with their time.
My evening routine
Evenings used to be my sanctuary, a time to unwind after the kids were asleep. I’d have time for a whole movie before I then retreated to bed. Now, with the hustle of family life and living with teens, I've adapted.
At 9:00 PM, I start my wind-down ritual:
Skincare. Using Ermana's natural oil cleanser, I cleanse away the day's stress.
Home Reset. I tidy the kitchen, fluff cushions in the living room and dim the lights.
Plan Ahead. A quick calendar check ensures I'm prepared for tomorrow. (I do my more detailed planning at my desk, but before I go to sleep I usually check-in with what I’m doing first thing in the morning - just to make sure I don’t miss anything).
Self-Care. Depending on the day, I might stretch, read or use my sauna blanket.
Mindful Listening. An audiobook or guided meditation helps me drift off, especially with the recent onset of tinnitus (it’s dire!! I used to need utter silence to sleep, but all I can hear now is a ringing which is mighty frustrating!).
This routine isn't about perfection; it's about presence. It's a gentle transition between the day and the night.
Building your own evening routine
Creating a routine isn’t about copying mine - or Mel’s or Laura’s (although it’s helpful to get some inspiration and ideas). Instead, you want to find what resonates with you. Here are some tips:
Start Small. Introduce one new habit at a time.
Be Consistent. Aim for the same sleep and wake times daily.
Limit Screen Time. Avoid devices at least an hour before bed.
Reflect. Spend a few minutes journaling or meditating.
Prepare Ahead. Lay out clothes, plan meals or check your calendar for the next day.
Remember, the goal is to create a routine that feels restorative, not restrictive.
Ready to transform your evenings?
A strong evening routine won’t fix everything. But it can help you end the day feeling a little more settled, and start the next one without that scattered, scrambled feeling.
It doesn’t have to be rigid. And it definitely doesn’t have to be Pinterest-worthy. It just needs to work for you. A few repeatable habits that create a rhythm. A small sense of order in what might feel like a messy season. Because the truth is: routines aren’t about being perfect. They’re about helping you feel a bit more human.
Ready to transform your evenings?
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Read the related post: Sleep – The Unsung Hero of Time Management.
Explore my Morning Ritual Guide to complement your evening routine.
Share your evening routine tips in the comments below!